1955 Oliver Super 55 Diesel Tractor

This 1955 Oliver Super 55 is a diesel-powered tractor that was purchased by the seller from a scrapyard in Amarillo, Texas, as a non-running project in June 2017, and it subsequently underwent a multi-year refurbishment that was completed in February 2021. The tractor is finished in green with yellow accents, and power comes from a rebuilt 144ci OHV inline-four paired with a six-speed manual transmission with two reverse gears. Features include a power take-off, a padded seat, an air intake pre-cleaner, two forward-facing lights, and one rear light. This Oliver is now offered at no reserve in Canyon, Texas, with refurbishment photos and a bill of sale.

The Super 55 was produced by the Oliver Corporation out of Charles City, Iowa, from 1954 to 1958. This example is said to have received bodywork and a repaint in green using Omni PPG Acrylic enamel paint. The grille was repainted in yellow using PPG Acrylic enamel, and replica factory-style decals were also fitted. Features include an air intake pre-cleaner, two forward-facing lights, and one rear light. The power take-off was reportedly overhauled with new bearings and seals. Paint scratches are noted.

The tractor features green-painted wheels mounted with 5.50-16 front Firestone bias-ply tires and 12.4-28 rear units. New wheel bearings and tie rods were reportedly fitted during the refurbishment, and the hydraulic system was rebuilt with new bushings and seals. The braking system was overhauled with new actuator springs, actuator balls, and fiber disks.

The Oliver-branded steel seat was fitted with new bushings during the refurbishment and wears a black cushion. A replacement three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of oil pressure, water temperature, amperage, and hour meter gauges that were also installed under current ownership. The hour meter shows over seven hours of runtime since the refurbishment. Total time is unknown. The oil pressure gauge has rotated in its housing.

The 144ci OHV diesel inline-four was reportedly fitted with a replacement engine block and is said to have been rebuilt by Barker Machine & Supply of Amarillo, Texas, during the refurbishment. Work reportedly included the installation of new pistons, sleeves, bearings, a water pump, and hoses in addition to an overhaul of the valves. The American Bosch injection pump was reportedly rebuilt by Taylor Diesel, while the seller states that the crankshaft was polished and the radiator was overhauled. The tractor features a 12-volt positive-ground electrical system with two six-volt batteries, and the starter and generator were rebuilt during the refurbishment.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with two reverse gears that is said to have been rebuilt with new bearings during the refurbishment. A new clutch and final drive gears were also installed according to the seller.

A collection of photos taken before and during the refurbishment can be seen in the gallery.